The Government will not hesitate to act firmly when necessary.
The Internet and social media are making it easier for people to cause offence and take offence.
There is a perception that the Government intervenes too readily to limit personal freedom and liberty in the name of harmony.
His points highlight the problem of the thin line that has to be trodden when it comes to religious harmony.
I have a suggestion as to how to tread this line in a more sure-footed way.
Currently, when an offence is deemed to have been committed on the Internet, the accused can be arrested and is treated as an offender.
But the offensive nature of something posted on the Internet is not as black and white as offences such as breaking and entering, physical assault and homicide.
The grey area of cyberspace makes it difficult and, in fact, unfair for the police to make a quick decision. This can lead to the perception that the authorities may be over-reacting.
Perhaps each racial and religious body could set up a council of representatives to which the police can present the alleged offending material. These councils can then determine if there is offence to be taken, before a decision on whether the accused should be arrested is made.
This intermediate step could go some way in dispelling the perception that the authorities over-react to such offences.
George Wong Seow Choon (Dr)
